Multi-Accounting

🔹 Definition

Multi-Accounting refers to the unauthorized or deceptive practice of a single individual or entity creating and operating multiple user accounts on the same platform or service. This behavior is often associated with fraud, abuse, bonus manipulation, identity obfuscation, or circumvention of rules and restrictions in sectors such as financial services, iGaming, e-commerce, and social media.

In regulated environments, multi-accounting can also undermine KYC/AML controls, and may be linked to money laundering, collusion, or market manipulation.

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why do individuals or fraudsters use multiple accounts?

• To exploit welcome bonuses or referral rewards
• To mask fraudulent activity by splitting transactions across accounts
• To evade bans, restrictions, or KYC checks
• To perform collusive behavior (e.g., in online games or betting)
• To manipulate user reviews, rankings, or trading prices
• To layer illicit funds using accounts with different identities

Q2: What are common industries affected by multi-accounting?

• Online betting & casinos (iGaming)
• Cryptocurrency platforms
• Fintech apps and payment systems
• eCommerce platforms
• Social media & content platforms
• Digital identity services

Q3: How can platforms detect multi-accounting?

• Device fingerprinting and IP address tracking
• Behavioral biometrics (typing speed, mouse movement patterns)
• Phone number and email clustering
• Monitoring login patterns, time zones, and geo-location mismatches
• Linking shared payment methods, IDs, or browsers
• Using AI-based fraud detection systems and rule-based alerts

Q4: What are the risks of allowing multi-accounting?

• Reputational damage and loss of platform trust
• Financial loss due to bonus abuse, chargebacks, or fraud
• Compromised KYC/AML compliance integrity
• Potential for regulatory fines if used for criminal activities
• Distorted analytics and platform data

Q5: How can companies prevent and respond to multi-accounting?

• Enforce strict KYC policies and identity verification at registration
• Use device intelligence and anomaly detection tools
• Set limits on account creation per IP, phone number, or device
• Include multi-accounting prohibitions in Terms of Service
• Implement automated monitoring systems for early detection and case escalation